Eagles sign U.S. Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva

Several collegiate standouts will join the Eagles via the draft this week, but Monday brought a reminder that there are a variety of ways to get to the NFL.

Alejandro Villanueva followed a rarely traveled one. The Eagles announced that they have signed Villanueva as a free agent after he spent the last four years as a U.S. Army Ranger. Captain Villanueva served three tours in Afghanistan and has received the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Ranger Tab and many other commendations during his years of service.

Villanueva’s unusual football story goes beyond his military service. Villanueva, who measures in at 6-9 and 277 pounds, started at left tackle during his junior year at West Point and then moved to wide receiver as a senior in a shift of responsibilities that’s rarely seen outside of backyard touch football games. He led the Black Knights with five touchdown catches this year but Chip Kelly and company are going to take a look at Villanueva as a defensive lineman, which is another position he played during his college days.

Villanueva spent a little time with the Bengals four years ago before doing his military service and took part in the Super Regional Combine earlier this year. He told Albert Breer of NFL Network that he’ll head back for another tour if he doesn’t make it onto an NFL roster.

“The four years I’ve had in the Army have been the best four years you could ask for,” Villanueva said. “The guys I served with … above me and under me … were phenomenal guys. They were good experiences that made me the man I am today. But now, I see this as a win-win situation. Obviously, I’m trying to get to a team and contribute. But if I can’t, then I can’t wait to get back to the Army and serve in the same manner that I have.”

Villanueva may be a long shot, but he’s an awfully easy one to root for.

Guy has to be athletic.. 6-9, 277, and after playing a couple years of Offensive Tackle, got moved to WR and had 5 TD cathces?? what Tackle has ever moved to WR? I despise the Eagles and their wanna be fans, but Ill root for this dude to be sucessfull. Good luck Capt!!!

How does he desrves to be on a roster? He has to make the team on his talent not his service. Michael Sam is A pass rusher who is undersize and lacks speed. He doesn’t have a true position he can play in the NFL. He ran a 4.8. I’m 34 and can run a 4.8. I wouldn’t take him.

Not a fan of the Eagles, but I certainly will root for this guy, and several others on their team. Chip Kelly seems to know what he wants to do with the team and is doing it. I like this guy. Thank you for your service, Alejandro. Good going, Eagles.

Moved from Tackle to WR and played some DE. Can you imagine covering a 6’9″ WR in the Red Zone. Why not try him at TE? IF he seriously made the switch from T to WR and played DL he needs to be in the NFL.

Big soldier = big target.
respects for making it through CPT.
This young man saw a lot of action & lead a lot of men.
Shows that this individual leads with his brains , , and then the massive frame follows. Talk about adding the right example & attitude.

West Point and an Army Ranger, with combat medals is enough accomplishments for a lifetime regardless what happens in his NFL experience. The fact that he will return to The Rangers if need be says a great deal about this amazing man as well. Thank you for your service Captain.

As a Navy and veteran of Desert Storm…welcome Home soldier !! (sorry about Navy waxing you all again btw)…I’m not sure about his abilities to actually make the team but, we are ALL rooting for you !!..the mental toughness you have and the desire to be the best will be nothing short of inspiring to all fan and your team mates. At 6’9 maybe Chip will give him a shot at a redzone TE target, or maybe a Rush LB, a Punt Blocker?..Chip make a spot for this guy even if its a practice squad player..KEEP HIM HOME..he did his country proud. Keep him here. Plus, I’m sure he is already Sixer starter material..Anyways..Thank you for your service young man and again WELCOME HOME !!!

Even if his play isn’t as scary as Reggie White’s or Jerome Brown’s, he’d basically provide depth at three freaking positions at once. Can he kick too?! I wonder what his wingspan is, 7ft? Man. And we thought Braman was King Kong…

I don’t think they’d go through the motions with this man if he didn’t stand a good chance going by what they’ve seen already. If they’d can a guy over chemistry I imagine it may be a reason to hire as well.

Forget the double (triple?!) teams he’d draw as a wide-out or what he might do as a pass rusher, Chip’d probably keep him around to block for Shady and to have a warm body that could fill in on *either* line.